Deepika Padukone’s stylist Shaleena Nathani decodes bridal trends for 2022

Do you remember Deepika Padukone’s sindoori red Sabyasachi wedding-day lehenga? What about Shibani Dandekar’s French Chantilly lace ensemble and Nayanthara’s embroidered sari, both by Jade by Monica & Karishma, and both worn with veils? All these celebrity bridal wardrobes were styled by Shaleena Nathani who is also on the speed dial of other Bollywood bigwigs like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh and Tamannaah Bhatia. Having worked with some of the most trend-setting brides of recent times, we asked Nathani about the 2022 bridal trends that can add that extra je ne sais quoi to a bride’s wardrobe. She shares insider intel you’ll want to bookmark. 

The bridal sari

“Personally, I love the sari over the lehenga for the wedding, there’s an unparalleled beauty about it. It’s also often about carrying forward tradition, and tends to be an emotional decision for the bride. Deepika was clear she wanted to go traditional and wear a sari for her South Indian ceremony. Nayanthara felt her audience was so used to seeing her in certain kinds of saris, that she wanted her bridal one to be different — we did a pallu with a kalidar long veil for her.” 

The veil

“Veils are no longer restricted to just white weddings. They can be used as generously with saris or other silhouettes too to elevate your look. I love the mystery and drama it brings — wear one that falls till your eyes for a bold mood (and photographs!). Shorter veils that don’t cover your entire head are another option. Shibani, for instance, wanted a mix between Indian and western for her wedding outfit. That’s where the idea for her veil came about, and it was totally in sync with her personality.

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The colours 

“Brides are no longer operating from the ‘have to’ mindset when choosing colours anymore. While they are still staying clear of blues and purples, happy colours like fuchsia and orange are no brainers. When it comes to red, it’s really important to find the right tone of red for you. For the mehendi, I’ve never been a fan of mixing in too many colours in one look. I’d recommend orange, yellow or pastels with hints of gold instead.”  

The mangalsutra

“When it comes to jewellery, don’t overdo it. It’s your wedding, and you don’t need to scream to show you’re the bride. So, take away as opposed to piling on more. A lot more brides are personally involved in designing their mangalsutra now. Their reason is to choose something timeless they can wear often. Sabyasachi’s solitaire and pendant-style mangalsutra is great for this. Nayanthara added talismans, motifs and charms that were of special significance in her life.”

The personalised touches 

There are so many ways to make an outfit special to you. One of the popular 2022 bridal trends is to have significant mantras on the pallu. Grooms can opt for personalised buttons or cuffs that speaks about them. For Nayanthara, the embroidery was inspired by the carvings of the temples of Hoysala as a tribute to her love for tradition. Goddess Lakshmi motifs were also used as a bajubandh on the sleeves of the blouse. The fourth wedding vow was running across the ensemble, personalised with the couple’s names. 

But also remember not to overdo it. Every detail needn’t be out there for everyone to see. You can hide a word or phrase inside your lehenga where no one else can see. It’s something you and your partner should share.” 

The mood  

“You need to have fun at your own wedding! Deepika and Nayanthara both changed into something lighter after their ceremonies. Instead of having 20 functions, have two but do it right. Wear what you love and what you’re comfortable in. Don’t let your choices be dictated by the crazy pressure that often burdens a bride.”